ATP Quick Reference: Formulae

Formulae used in Performance Calculations

All examples reference Piper PA-30B speeds/weights.

Calculating Va: (maneuvering speed)
Sqrt of (TOW / MGTOW) * published Va (162mph)
Example:
Actual weight: 3400
MGTOW: 3600
Sqrt of 3400/3600 = 0.972 * 162 (published Va) = 157.44
Calculating lead intercepts for DME arcs and any selected course
TAS / 200
Example:
120KTAS / 200 = 0.6
Therefore, initiate a standard rate turn 0.6nm prior to arriving at the arc.
For a 45 degree intercept to the final approach course, 0.3nm
(use GPS for XTRK information.)
For a 30 degree intercept, initiate at 0.2nm.
Calculating Rate of Descent to track glideslope
(Groundspeed / 60) * 300
Example:
105 knots GS
105/60 = 1.75
1.75 * 300 = 525FPM
Note: 300 is used because flying a 3-degree glideslope will cause the aircraft to descend
300 feet per nautical mile (FPNM.) If a nonstandard glideslope angle is published on the IAP, use
that number instead (i.e. if 3.24 degrees, use 324.)
Alternate method (rule of thumb):
Use 10% of groundspeed, and multiply times 5.
Example:
90 knots GS

90 * 5 = 450FPM
This method is quite accurate, provided a standard 3.00 degree glideslope.
Initiating level-off from climb or descent
10% of Rate of Climb/Descent
Example:
If climbing at 500FPM, initiate level-off 50 feet below target altitude.
Calculating bank angles for standard rate turns
10% of TAS / of that number
Example:
120KTAS
12 + 6 = 18 degrees angle of bank
Calculating roll-out from steep (45 degree bank angle) turns
Initiate roll-out at a heading equivalent to the bank angle.
Example:
45 degree bank
Turn initiated at 360 degrees to the left
Initiate rollout at (45 / 2) 22.5 degrees prior to reaching 360, i.e. 023 degrees.
Calculating VDP (or PDP, Planned Descent Point)
Distance-based VDP/PDP:
MDA (HAT) / 300
Example:
MDA is 430 ft. AGL. 430/300 = 1.4nm
Time-based VDP/PDP:
Subtract 10% of the MDA (HAT) from the time between FAF and MAP
Example:
MDA is 430 ft. AGL
Time between FAF and MAP is 3:54
10% of 430 = 43
Subtract 43 seconds from 3:54 = 3:11 to VDP/PDP